Manufacturing and Perfecting Thermal Transfer Printers Since 1971digital color label printerOperation & Setup Guide
iv QLS-8100 Xe Firmware Upgrades...7-17 Upgrading addit
4-54 Keypad controls and menus Cutter If using an optional cutter or cutter/stacker accessory, you can enable it using the Cutter menu option. To ena
QLS-8100 Xe 4-55 Cut Flag When using an optional cutter or cutter/stacker accessory, it is possible to enable or disable the insertion of extra blank
4-56 Keypad controls and menus 4 Press the + or – key until the desired setting is displayed. Available options are On or Off. 5 Press the SELECT k
QLS-8100 Xe 4-57 Pull Back - Enable/Disable You can enable/disable the pull back function using the Pull Back option under the Options menu. This opt
4-58 Keypad controls and menus Applicator You will use the Applicator option to enable or disable applicator mode. This option applies only to users
QLS-8100 Xe 5-1 Chapter 5: Operation To prepare the QLS-8100 Xe for printing, make sure that: • Water cooling system has been connected • Power c
5-2 Operation Printing with the QLS-8100 Xe Powering the Printer On When you turn on your printer, it will execute an initialization procedure and se
QLS-8100 Xe 5-3 Operating Without Compressed Air The QLS-8100 Xe RibbonRation ribbon conservation system has been designed so that the printer can op
5-4 Operation Printer Indicators When power is on, the printer has four indicator lights that provide a visual cue to the printer’s current state. In
QLS-8100 Xe 5-5 Error Messages The following pages show a number of possible error messages that may be encountered during operation. Instructions ar
QLS-8100 Xe 1-1 Chapter 1: Quick Start Congratulations ! You have purchased QuickLabel System’s best digital color label printer - ever. The QLS-81
5-6 Operation After reloading media or ribbon, the printer will reprint any label formats that were partially under the print stations when the error
QLS-8100 Xe 5-7 • Indicates that data port-specific commands were received via the status port, causing a communications error. Ensure that the dat
5-8 Operation • Displayed when the CANCEL key is pressed while a batch is being printed. Pressing the SELECT key will cancel all pending labels in
QLS-8100 Xe 5-9 • Displayed if the printhead exceeds a safe operating temperature. The printer will automatically pause to prevent damage to the pr
5-10 Operation Color Alignment Color alignment refers to the alignment of each color with respect to the other colors: Print Line adjustment refers t
QLS-8100 Xe 5-11 You will also examine the block patterns to observe both the horizontal and vertical alignment. If any color appears horizontally mi
5-12 Operation Common Adjustments and Tasks Test Patterns The QLS-8100 Xe is equipped with a number of built-in test patterns used for checking color
QLS-8100 Xe 5-13 Evaluating Print Quality 1 Press the PRINT / PAUSE key to put the printer into the pause mode. 2 Press the NEXT or PREVIOUS key un
5-14 Operation 7 If print quality is not satisfactory, allow the test pattern to continue to print and press the NEXT or PREVIOUS key to access any
QLS-8100 Xe 5-15 Enabling and Disabling RibbonRation™ The QLS-8100 Xe RibbonRation™ feature can be enabled or disabled via the user control panel of
1-2 Quick start QuickLabel Systems media Your QLS-8100 Xe will provide correct print quality only when used with Genuine QuickLabel Systems Labels, T
5-16 Operation Printing Labels To print labels, you need to send a label from QuickLabel Systems’ Color QuickLabel 99® Pro software program, or from
QLS-8100 Xe 6-1 Chapter 6: Advanced Adjustments Your QLS-8100 Xe has been carefully set at the factory to print optimally using your specific type
6-2 Advanced adjustments Printhead Tangency Alignment The proper alignment of the printhead over the platen roller produces optimum transfer of ribbon
QLS-8100 Xe 6-3 Printhead Angularity Adjustment The color registration is monitored on the right side of the label as it exits the printer. The Test
6-4 Advanced adjustments Ribbon Wrinkling Adjustments The QLS-8100 Xe features an automatic ribbon tensioning mechanism to ensure consistent tension f
QLS-8100 Xe 6-5 Ribbon wrinkling may also be alleviated by adjusting the eccentric at the end of the ribbon guide shaft located at the lower, rear se
6-6 Advanced adjustments Printhead & Drive Station Lift Your QLS-8100 Xe printhead and drive station are mounted to a center-pivoting shaft. This
QLS-8100 Xe 6-7 Vertical Baseline This function is used to synchronize printing when using multiple QLS-8100 Xe printers. If you are sending the sam
6-8 Advanced adjustments Horizontal Baseline This function is used to synchronize printing when using multiple QLS-8100 Xe printers. If you are sendi
QLS-8100 Xe 7-1 Chapter 7: Maintenance and Repair Your QLS-8100 Xe is designed for long-life and trouble-free operation. In order to keep your pri
QLS-8100 Xe 1-3 Quick Start Guide If you are an experienced user of a QuickLabel Systems Digital Color Printer or you have attended QuickLabel System
7-2 Maintenance and repair Recommended Tool List The following is a list of recommended tools for maintenance and repair of the QLS-8100 Xe. 3/16” X
QLS-8100 Xe 7-3 Routine Cleaning The parts of each print station, especially those that come in direct contact with the ribbon, will accumulate resid
7-4 Maintenance and repair To clean printheads: 1 While the printer is on, lift the printhead that will be cleaned. The following message will displ
QLS-8100 Xe 7-5 Refilling the Cooling System The cooling system circulates cool water through the printhead mounting blocks to aid in maintaining opt
7-6 Maintenance and repair Uninstalling the Cooling System If the printer will be shipped to another location, it is necessary to uninstall the water
QLS-8100 Xe 7-7 1 Remove the AC power cord from the outlet, and then disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer. 2 Disconnect the powe
7-8 Maintenance and repair 7 Place the end of the 36” flexible tube into the water draining receptacle. Then connect the 36” tube to one of the left
QLS-8100 Xe 7-9 Printhead Replacement After normal use or as a result of a failure, the printheads will eventually need to be replaced. Some symptoms
7-10 Maintenance and repair 3 Remove the black guide roller under the static brush for easier access to the printhead mounting screw. There are thre
QLS-8100 Xe 7-11 9 Tighten the captive mounting screw 1/4 turn to secure the printhead to the bracket. Caution: Do not over-tighten the captive mou
1-4 Quick start
7-12 Maintenance and repair Platen Replacement Platen rollers are like tires on a car, in that they wear with use. After continued normal use, it may
QLS-8100 Xe 7-13 6 Slide the plate and shaft assembly away from the frame plate. The collar and roller will drop down as this assembly is pulled awa
7-14 Maintenance and repair Drive and Pinch Roller Replacement After prolonged use, the drive roller or pinch roller may develop flat areas, which wi
QLS-8100 Xe 7-15 11 Loosen the set screw on the inner side of the drive roll and pull the roller to the outside against the frame plate. This will r
7-16 Maintenance and repair Changing the Fuse or Line Voltage Your QLS-8100 Xe has been configured for your line voltage at the factory. Should you n
QLS-8100 Xe 7-17 Firmware Upgrades Firmware is the internal operating system of the QLS-8100 Xe. Periodically, firmware upgrades are made available t
7-18 Maintenance and repair 2 Choose the Next button. The following screen will appear. 3 Set up communications to your printer by selecting the a
QLS-8100 Xe 7-19 5 When no error is indicated, press the Next button to proceed to the final screen. This last screen begins the actual upgrade pro
7-20 Maintenance and repair When the upgrade is complete, the printer will reset again. Please verify the version displayed during the power-up seque
QLS-8100 Xe A-1 Appendix A: Physical Data
QLS-8100 Xe 2-1 Chapter 2: Physical Setup This chapter will help you to familiarize yourself with the orientation and components of the QLS-8100 Xe
A-2 Physical data QLS-8100 Xe Dimensions All dimensions are in inches Printer shown without water cooling system installed
QLS-8100 Xe A-3 QLS-8100 Xe Dimensions All dimensions are in inches Printer shown without water cooling system installed
A-4 Physical data QLS-8100 Xe Dimensions 3.247.50 2.81.9 All dimensions are in inches Printer shown with water cooling system installed
QLS-8100 Xe B-1 Appendix B: Specifications
B-2 Specifications QLS-8100 Xe Specifications Printing Method Thermal Transfer, Spot and CMYK Process Color Print Stations 4 printheads Registrati
QLS-8100 Xe B-3 Dimensions 24” H x 24” D x 38” L (609.6 mm L x 609.6 mm D x 965.2 mm L) Weight 185 lbs. (83.9 kg) - no media, no ribbon
B-4 Specifications
QLS-8100 Xe C-1 Appendix C: Replacement Parts
C-2 Replacement parts Replacement Parts Part Number Description 14076-101 Printhead 14039-901 Drive Roll 14039-701 Platen Roller 14041-202
QLS-8100 Xe C-3 Replacement Parts Part Number Description 12361-013 Slip Clutch, TTR (4) 26599-900 Encoder Cable Assy 26585-401 Pneumati
2-2 Physical setup Unpacking the Printer 1 Remove the printer from the packing carton. 2 Ensure that the printer has suffered no visible signs of
C-4 Replacement parts
QLS-8100 Xe D-1 Appendix D: Color QuickLabel 99® Pro setup
D-2 Color QuickLabel 99 Pro setup Color QuickLabel 99 Pro setup The following guide explains how to configure Color QuickLabel 99 Pro software for us
QLS-8100 Xe D-3 4 Open the File >> Print Setup menu. The following screen will appear: 5 Choose QLS-8100Xe Single Sided from the Select Prin
D-4 Color QuickLabel 99 Pro setup 8 Click on the Communications tab. The following screen will appear: 9 Select the desired Printer Communication:
QLS-8100 Xe D-5 10 Select the appropriate Printer Mode. DUAL – Select this option for parallel and serial port connection. LPT – Select this option
D-6 Color QuickLabel 99 Pro setup
QLS-8100 Xe E-1 Appendix E: Windows Printer Driver Setup
E-2 Windows printer driver setup Windows Printer Driver Setup The following guide explains how to configure the Windows Printer Driver for use with t
QLS-8100 Xe E-3 3 Click on the Graphics tab. Select the desired halftoning method for your image. A representation of the output effect each halfton
QLS-8100 Xe 2-3 Printer Orientation The illustration below is provided to orient you to the QLS-8100 Xe printer. The keypad and display is the printe
E-4 Windows printer driver setup 4 Click on the Color tab. Select Process or Spot depending on the mode of operation being used. If Process is chose
QLS-8100 Xe E-5 5 Click on the Intensity & Speed tab. Select the desired default print intensities for each of the print stations and select th
E-6 Windows printer driver setup 7 Click on the Ports tab. Select the appropriate communication port that the printer is connected to from the pull-
QLS-8100 Xe E-7 The Print-Time menu is enabled by placing a check mark in the Enable Print-Time Menu box. Doing so will result in a popup window appe
E-8 Windows printer driver setup 2 In the Save As window that appears, enter a filename for the processed label. Place a check mark in the Place sho
QLS-8100 Xe F-1 Appendix F: Format error codes
F-2 Format error codes QLS-8100 Xe Format Error Codes 1 Field X location error The X coordinate of a Set Field Location command (<STX>FLx,y) i
QLS-8100 Xe F-3 13 Bar-code check digit error The selection for enabling the bar-code check digit is faulty. 15 Bar-code interpretation width error
F-4 Format error codes 36 Box height error The height value of a graphics field is invalid. 37 Line thickness error The value for line thickness in
QLS-8100 Xe F-5 85 Field data string error An invalid data string is part of the label format. Valid ASCII characters are from 20h to FFh, and all d
2-4 Physical setup Features of the QLS-8100 Xe Facing the left side of the QLS-8100 Xe with its cover lifted, you can view the media unwind, print st
F-6 Format error codes
QLS-8100 Xe G-1 Appendix G: Menu Structure
G-2 Menu Structure
QLS-8100 Xe MenusPause Pause: Cal & SetupPress SELECTPause: RibbonPress SELECTPause: OptionsPress SELECTPause: CommunicationPress SELECTPause Stat
QLS-8100 Xe i Index Applicator ... 4-58 Calibration... 3-8, 4-21 Can
ii Index Baud Rate... 4-38 Handshaking ... 4-39 Specifications ...
QLS-8100 Xe 2-5 Side view
2-6 Physical setup Rear Panel View Facing the rear panel of the printer, you will observe the air intake regulator, power connection, and other inter
QLS-8100 Xe 2-7 Installing the Media Unwind Mandrel Your QLS-8100 Xe was shipped with the media unwind mandrel uninstalled to protect it from damage
2-8 Physical setup Installing the Water Cooling System The cooling system circulates cool water through the printhead mounting blocks to aid in maint
QLS-8100 Xe 2-9 2 Insert the water cooling drives into the mounting bracket. The wires and water tubing must face toward the printer. 3 Connect the
2-10 Physical setup 5 Remove the reservoir cap from each cooling drive, and then fill them with the supplied distilled water. Ensure that the water
QLS-8100 Xe 2-11 Power Connection 1 Locate the AC Power Input at the bottom of the rear panel. 2 Plug the power cord into the printer. Be sure to u
2-12 Physical setup Computer Connections The parallel interface is normally the primary method of sending data from the host computer to the printer.
QLS-8100 Xe 2-13 RS-232 Serial Port 1 Using a standard (straight through connection) RS-232 serial cable, connect the appropriate mating end of the
2-14 Physical setup Ethernet Port and TCP/IP Communication The QLS-8100 Xe is a 10Base-T device that provides a 10Mbps ethernet connection. Using hub
QLS-8100 Xe 2-15 Print Servers The QLS-8100 Xe can be connected to a Local Area Network (LAN) using an appropriate external print server. The print s
Digital Color Label Printer Operation & Setup Guide Part Number 22834-505 Version 1.5 12/04 Firmware V 1.2 Specifications are subject to
2-16 Physical setup Utility Port Connection On the rear panel of the printer, the Utility Port permits connection to external devices such as the opt
QLS-8100 Xe 2-17 Compressed Air Connection Preparing the Air Regulator When you receive the QLS-8100 Xe Printer, the Air Regulator is ready for opera
2-18 Physical setup Cover Switch A plunger-type switch monitors whether the cover is open or closed. This safety feature helps ensure that during nor
QLS-8100 Xe 3-1 Chapter 3: Loading Media and Calibration Now that your QLS-8100 Xe is unpacked and all connections have been made to the printer,
3-2 Loading media and calibration Loading Thermal Transfer Ribbon The QLS-8100 Xe is capable of printing using Spot Color or Process Color thermal tr
QLS-8100 Xe 3-3 To load thermal transfer ribbon on each print station: 1 Fully seat a roll of coated-side-in ribbon on the print station’s Supply Ma
3-4 Loading media and calibration Loading Label or Tag Media The QLS-8100 Xe is capable of printing on a wide variety of media types and sizes and is
QLS-8100 Xe 3-5 3 Flip the Drive Roller Lift Lever clockwise to open the drive roller. 4 Remove the Media Retainer from the media supply mandrel b
3-6 Loading media and calibration 12 Continue to thread the media through each of the print stations over the platen rollers. 13 Finally, thread t
QLS-8100 Xe 3-7 Adjusting the Media Sensor The QLS-8100 Xe is equipped with two intelligent media sensors. One sensor is used for gap, or notched med
Copyright © 2003 - 2004 Astro-Med, Inc. This manual is copyrighted with all rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced, transmitted, t
3-8 Loading media and calibration Calibrating for Media Types Calibrating the printer for the type of media being used is essential and is the first
QLS-8100 Xe 3-9 6 Press the + or - key until Gap is displayed. 7 Press the SELECT key. The display will show the following prompt: 8 Press and ho
3-10 Loading media and calibration If calibration was unsuccessful, the following message will be displayed: The user must re-initiate the calibrati
QLS-8100 Xe 3-11 Calibrating Reflective Media 1 Lift each of the printheads for this calibration routine in order to conserve ribbon. Disengage the
3-12 Loading media and calibration 10 Reposition the media by pressing and holding the FORM FEED/ADVANCE key until the red light no longer shines th
QLS-8100 Xe 3-13 Calibrating Continuous Media 1 Press the PRINT/PAUSE key until the printer is in a paused state. 2 Press the NEXT or PREVIOUS key
3-14 Loading media and calibration
QLS-8100 Xe 4-1 Chapter 4: Keypad Controls and Menus The QLS-8100 Xe features an intuitive control panel consisting of a backlit LCD display, stat
4-2 Keypad controls and menus Keypad Layout and Functions The keypad buttons perform the following general functions. PRINT/PAUSE Toggles the printe
QLS-8100 Xe 4-3 Print/Pause When the printer is idle (i.e. not printing labels), the PRINT/PAUSE key will toggle the printer between a Ready state an
if the product has been modified without the express written permission of QuickLabel Systems. QuickLabel Systems makes no warranty, either express o
4-4 Keypad controls and menus Menu Overview The following list outlines all of the menus that are accessible via the user interface. Some menus, as n
QLS-8100 Xe 4-5 Label Reprint Reprints up to 999 copies of the last label printed, if using the Windows print driver. (Available only from Ready sta
4-6 Keypad controls and menus Ribbon Menu Options are available in a Pause state only. Ribbon Type Selects printhead intensity tailored to a speci
QLS-8100 Xe 4-7 System Menu Options are available in a Pause state only. Display Cntr Adjusts the display of the label counter. Possible values ar
4-8 Keypad controls and menus Ready State & Adjust Menu Options in this category are accessed in two ways. You can access these options by pressi
QLS-8100 Xe 4-9 To set printhead intensity via the front panel: 1 If the printer is in a Ready state, proceed to the next step. If the printer is in
4-10 Keypad controls and menus Print Speed This function allows you to choose the printing speed. The printer is capable of printing at speeds of 2 –
QLS-8100 Xe 4-11 Print Line Adjustment Print line adjustments allow you to align the printing of each of the four print stations to obtain accurate c
4-12 Keypad controls and menus 4 Press the NEXT or PREVIOUS key until the Print Line Adj menu for the printhead you want to adjust is displayed. 5
QLS-8100 Xe 4-13 Cross Web Adjustment Cross Web Adjustments allow you to align the printing of each of the four print stations to obtain accurate col
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY Manufacturer’s Name: Astro-Med, Inc. Manufacturer’s Address: Astro-Med, Inc. 600 East Greenwich Avenue
4-14 Keypad controls and menus 4 Press the NEXT or PREVIOUS key until the Cross Web Adj menu for the printhead you want to adjust is displayed. 5
QLS-8100 Xe 4-15 Vertical Offset By default, when printing on media with registration marks (gaps, reflective marks, etc.), the printer will place th
4-16 Keypad controls and menus Negative values move the image down on the label (out away from the printer). Positive values move the image up the la
QLS-8100 Xe 4-17 3 Press the + or – key until the desired horizontal offset setting is displayed. Offset settings range from <– 600 to -> 600
4-18 Keypad controls and menus Display Counter The printer can dynamically display either the ongoing total number of labels that have been printed s
QLS-8100 Xe 4-19 Cut Offset When printing on media with registration marks (gaps, reflective marks, etc.), the printer will place the label image are
4-20 Keypad controls and menus Label Reprint When using the QuickLabel Systems Printer Driver for Windows to print to the QLS-8100 Xe, data is transm
QLS-8100 Xe 4-21 Cal & Setup Menu Calibration & setup options are accessed via the Cal & Setup menu. The following sections detail each o
4-22 Keypad controls and menus Test Print The QLS-8100 Xe is equipped with a number of built-in test patterns used for checking color alignment, prin
QLS-8100 Xe 4-23 The printer will immediately begin to print labels showing the selected test pattern. Printing will continue until the printer is pa
QLS-8100 Xe i Table of Contents Chapter 1: Quick Start ...1-1 QuickLabel Syst
4-24 Keypad controls and menus Horizontal Baseline This function is used to synchronize printing when using multiple QLS-8100 Xe printers. If you ar
QLS-8100 Xe 4-25 Printer Settings This function prints all of the current settings of the printer using the printhead of your choice. To print curren
4-26 Keypad controls and menus The sample report shown below indicates the type of information that will be printed. Note: The OFFSET line displays
QLS-8100 Xe 4-27 Operation Menu Operation options are accessed via the Operation menu. The following sections detail each of the features within this
4-28 Keypad controls and menus 4 Press the SELECT key. A message will be displayed to confirm Pull Back operation. 5 Press the SELECT key. The pri
QLS-8100 Xe 4-29 Label Reprint When using the QuickLabel Systems Printer Driver for Windows to print to the QLS-8100 Xe, data is transmitted from the
4-30 Keypad controls and menus Synchronize Labels This function applies only to users integrating the printer with an applicator system. The synchron
QLS-8100 Xe 4-31 3 Press the SELECT key. The printer will feed one or two labels and then be ready for applicator mode operation. If no labels feed,
4-32 Keypad controls and menus Ribbon Menu Ribbon options are accessed via the Ribbon menu. The following sections detail each of the features within
QLS-8100 Xe 4-33 Drop/Lift Adjust The QLS-8100 Xe is equipped with QuickLabel Systems’ patented RibbonRation™ technology. This feature automatically
ii QLS-8100 Xe Ready State & Adjust Menu ...4-8 Print Intensity
4-34 Keypad controls and menus To use the Drop/Lift Adjust function: 1 If the printer is in a Ready state, press the PRINT/PAUSE key to pause the pr
QLS-8100 Xe 4-35 Ribbon Sensor This function is for use by QuickLabel Systems’ technicians when performing diagnostics at the factory. In general use
4-36 Keypad controls and menus Communications Menu Communications options are accessed via the Communications menu. The following sections detail eac
QLS-8100 Xe 4-37 4 Press the + or – key until the desired data port is displayed. Available options are Parallel, Serial, or Ethernet. 5 Press the
4-38 Keypad controls and menus RS232 Baud Rate If you are using the RS232 serial port connection, you can configure the printer to use one of four sp
QLS-8100 Xe 4-39 RS232 Handshaking If you are using the RS232 serial port connection, you can configure the printer handshaking method. To select a h
4-40 Keypad controls and menus TCP/IP: IP Address A TCP/IP address uniquely identifies each device connected to your network. If you are using ethern
QLS-8100 Xe 4-41 TCP/IP Subnet Mask You will use the TCP/IP Subnet Mask option in the Communications menu to set a subnet mask for the QLS-8100 Xe pr
4-42 Keypad controls and menus TCP/IP Gateway You will use the TCP/IP Gateway option in the Communications menu to set a subnet mask for the QLS-8100
QLS-8100 Xe 4-43 System Menu System options are accessed via the System menu. The following sections detail each of the features within this menu cat
QLS-8100 Xe iii Mirror Mode ... 4-53 Cutter...
4-44 Keypad controls and menus Memory Card - Write Protection Memory cards allow you to save fonts, bitmap images, and other configuration informatio
QLS-8100 Xe 4-45 Front Panel Lock/Unlock The Front Panel Lock/Unlock feature allows you to lock the menu, preventing unauthorized users from modifyin
4-46 Keypad controls and menus 4 Press the + or – key to increase or decrease the first number in the password, then press the SELECT key. Press the
QLS-8100 Xe 4-47 4 Press the + or – key to increase or decrease the first number in the password, then press the SELECT key. Press the + or – key to
4-48 Keypad controls and menus Memory Card - Formatting Memory cards must be formatted before they can be used. If you have a memory card inserted in
QLS-8100 Xe 4-49 Time The QLS-8100 Xe provides a built-in, real-time clock that is used for displaying the time and date. It is also used to provide
4-50 Keypad controls and menus Date The QLS-8100 Xe provides a built-in, real-time clock that is used for displaying the time and date. It is also us
QLS-8100 Xe 4-51 Factory Reset The factory reset feature of the QLS-8100 Xe returns all parameters available through the printer’s front panel to the
4-52 Keypad controls and menus To perform a factory reset: 1 If the printer is in a Ready state, press the PRINT/PAUSE key to pause the printer. 2
QLS-8100 Xe 4-53 Options Menu Other options are accessed via the Options menu. The following sections detail each of the features within this menu ca
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